19 Feb 2017 LIFE Runners Annual Report
“REMEMBER The Unborn – Jer 1:5” jersey message is powerful for preventing abortion and redemptive for healing abortion wounds. Heb 12:1-2
All In Christ for Pro-Life!
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Our Mission: “Run/Walk as a prayer until we cross the finish line that ends abortion.” This is reflected in the LIFE Runners Creed.
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LIFE Runners media coverage around the world: listed at liferunners.org/press.
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Record setting year! LIFE Runners finished 2017 with 6,750 teammates, ages 1 to 101 in 50 states and 32 nations. We grew by 1,708 teammates in 2017, compared to 1,103 new teammates in 2016. We added three nations – Australia, Tonga, and Spain. We went from 98 to 128 chapters, including 7 more student chapters (K to college). As we continue to grow, our paths will cross in even greater ways with those who need to see our message of truth, impacting more hearts and minds for saving more lives. To fuel this growth, please keep inviting your friends and family to join us.
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New App: Download the free LIFE Runners App and log the miles/minutes you wear your “REMEMBER The Unborn – Jer 1:5” jersey as a public witness on First Wed and throughout the month. You can also use the app to sign up new LIFE Runners, register for Relay legs, add prayer requests, and read weekly devotions.
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LIFE Runners of the Year: Debbie Ridder (FL), Doug Young (AR), student Grace Beaner (SD), student Evan Lutz (KS), Murrell Family (MI), Fiji Islands Chapter.
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Board Members: Chaplain Joe Coffey (CA), Dr. Pat Castle (NE), Paul Westendorf (SD), Jeff Grabosky (FL), Scott Casmer (CO), Karen Patnaude (Fiji), TD Dorrell (KS), Grant Fenske (GA), Denise Espinoza (TX). Introductions at liferunners.org/leaders.
Chapter Leaders (232): leaders, assistant leaders, FB managers, chaplains listed here. Thank you!
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Student Chapters: In 2017 we provided over 1,000 free “REMEMBER The Unborn – Jer 1:5” jerseys for students (K to college), to empower them with the truth. We started 7 more school chapters. This brings the LIFE affirming message right to the heart of the abortion debate, impacting countless lives and reaching those who are most vulnerable to abortion. We are so thankful to our generous donors who make it possible to bring jerseys at no cost to student chapters, please consider a donation. We will continue raising up young people who understand their value and worth in the Lord, and are passionate about defending life from conception to natural death.
Walk for Life West Coast: We started out the year with the Walk for Life West Coast where we joined tens of thousands of Pro-Lifers in San Francisco. We wore our bold blue LIFE Runners gear and carried our big blue “REMEMBER The Unborn – Jer 1:5” banner as we peacefully impacted hearts and minds for saving lives. The message made a powerful statement as we were surrounded by the angry voices of the Women’s March that followed closely behind. Our prayer is that hearts and minds were opened as we prayed and peacefully marched down their streets. See recap here.
A-Cross America Relay for Pro-Life!: With another show of outstanding teamwork, our annual A-Cross America Relay was 100% filled for the 2nd year in a row! Teammates from across the nation and around the world became living banners of truth along the 5,359 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, North Dakota, Texas, converging in Kansas City. Those who could not make it to the Relay course met the challenge by covering legs remotely. During those 40 Days we brought the “REMEMBER The Unborn – Jer 1:5” message to as many communities as we could reach. The A-Cross America Relay is always a powerful time of prayer and sacrifice. The Relay also takes LIFE Runners across the path of many abortion facilities where we pray and support women who need a light of hope. The four arms of the relay converged on Palm Sunday in Kansas City where teammates celebrated in unity, All In Christ for Pro-Life! More details here.
First Wednesday of the Month: This is the day for teammates worldwide to wear their gear as a public witness. We started sending out a text message reminder each month, which has increased participation. The “REMEMBER The Unborn – Jer 1:5” message on our jerseys is not just for the race course but is a powerful message in our community wherever we wear it. We Gear Up to Speak Up!
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National Fall Race: We were the largest team gathered for the Pensacola Half/Full Marathon and 5K races, forming a long bold blue line from start to finish, All In Christ for Pro-Life! Over 100 LIFE Runners teammates from across America, Canada, and Fiji gathered in Pensacola to be Pro-Life drops in the culture ocean. Our bold blue “REMEMBER The Unborn – Jer 1:5” jerseys caused ripples of life-saving impact for many generations. These annual race weekend retreats strengthen our faith and resolve to live out our team’s mission: “Run/walk as a prayer until we cross the finish line that ends abortion.” See weekend recap.
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St. Padre Pio Relay in Italy: In June, 10 LIFE Runners made a pilgrimage to Italy for the inaugural St. Padre Pio Relay for Pro-Life which coincided with the 15th year of his canonization. The Relay lasted 2 days with 5K legs covering the 82 miles from St. Pio’s birthplace in Pietrelcina to his ministry home of San Giovanni Rotondo. It was a powerful time of team building and unity. See details here.
Pacific Islands Mission Trips: This year a small group of LIFE Runners from Fiji did mission trips to expand LIFE Runners in neighboring island nations Vanuatu and Tonga (read about it). We continue to reach out to all nations of the world. Many 3rd world and developing countries are not being reached with life affirming truth but Planned Parenthood International is already on their shores. We must stand in the gap and lead the way to reaching these people with help and hope. It is an opportunity to speak truth into unspoken subjects, that desperately need to be addressed.
Donations and Fundraising: please see our list of ministry needs. LIFE Runners has no paid staff and lots of passionate volunteers. Thanks to all our teammates who invest their time and treasure for fueling and growing our team. Thanks to the A.J. Schwartze Community Foundation for funding the “REMEMBER The Unborn – Jer 1:5” billboard near Freeburg, MO and giving free “REMEMBER The Unborn – Jer 1:5” jerseys to students in the PALS cross-country league. Thanks to En Route Books and Media for donating 10% of their net revenues for 2017.
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Speaking at Events: Would you like LIFE Runners coach & founder Dr. Pat Castle to speak at an event to help build up LIFE Runners presence in your local area? Details at liferunners.org/speaking. 1 Cor 3:6
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2018 National Fall Race: Long Beach California Half/Full Marathon & 5K (Oct 6-7). This will be an awesome Pro-Life pilgrimage, retreat, team-building experience. Everyone is welcome as runners, walkers, cheerers! See details here.
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Code of conduct (Be-Attitudes): Be Christ-like, Be Prayerful, Be Pro-Life, Be Respectful, Be Charitable, Be Peaceful.
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We look forward to another bright year of ministry to impact hearts and minds for saving lives. 1 Cor 3:6
God First, Life Always, Teammates Forever!
